About the film
Lil’ Red is Riding the Wrong Way in the Hood is a Hip Hop twist on a classic cautionary tale originally entitled, Little Red Riding Hood. The fairytale was first published by the French author Charles Perrault in 1697. In this modern version, Lil’ Red is an adventurous young boy who’s bike gets stolen by a wolf in sheep’s clothing and this sparks a battle of wits.
Childhood exploitation and missing children may sound like heavy topics, but this timely animated short makes approaching this difficult dialogue about personal and public safety a lot easier. This isn’t just an entertaining film set to a Hip Hop beat; it’s a conversation starter for all ages. It allows us a chance to reflect on who to trust and when, and how we can all stay safe in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world.
We give thanks as amazing reviews are rolling in. This article is All Praises!
Plus, Matthew from WILD SOUND and I sat down to discuss some aspects about the making of Lil’ Red.
How can you support Lil’ Red?
There are 40.3 million trafficked persons globally today and 25% of them are children. Who’s doing something about it? Together we are. Share a written or video testimonial if you know the value of this project and want to help us measure its impact. If you’re also a compassionate educator or creative social change agent we need you to join or lead the courageous discussion.
We’ve noticed many viewers in previous screenings want to see us produce more episodes or a safety series. This could be done with proof of financial support. Consider becoming a patron of art that is activism or simply purch some merch. Your contribution supports affiliated production costs and our ongoing promotion. Visit venusjones.com/store and consider the perks of membership at patreon.com/venuslovejones.
Join the waiting list below, and we’ll keep you posted about upcoming screenings online or at a film festival near you.
Official Trailer
Credits
Credits
Writer | Director | Producer | Narration
Venus Jones is a jack pot of gifts and talents with over 20 years of classroom and stage experience. She’s a filmmaker, spoken word artist, and trained facilitator who enjoys inspiring compassionate leaders who are bettering our world. As a result of experiencing her writing and presentation workshops students find a greater sense of purpose with their pen. Her motto is to waging peace through poetry, and she’s increasing empathy and self-awareness through the arts. Venus offers you grace, healing words, and humor. Visit venusjones.com for more information on how to support past, present, and future initiatives at the intersection of art and activism.
Animator | Illustrator
Mutai Emmanuel lives in Nairobi, Kenya and began his career in animation in 2016. Whether it’s sparking emotions through animation, elevating characters with seamless rigging, or reflecting a brand’s essence through design, his versatility and his passion for project management gives him a creative edge He has experience as a Toon Boom Rigging Artist with major studios, and a history of collaboration with talented artists and business owners all over the world who are interested in creating impactful and engaging projects. Learn more about the animator at mutzzcreative.com.
Additional Credited Animators include: Stanley Munyiri and Ian Ngaruiya Mburu
Music Production
Malcolm Lee is a producer, engineer, DJ, MC, social activist and teaching artist in San Jose, California. He’s been a board operator and sound engineer for 90.5 KSJS, YG Studios and Silicon Valley Debug where he worked as an audio journalist for documentaries and news shorts. malcolm-lee.tumblr.com/bio
Additional Sound Engineering provided by Tim Abbott.
Who’s on the front line?
The Love Never Fails organization was formed in December 2011 after the Founder’s teenage student experienced human trafficking in the San Francisco Bay Area. LNF’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board include thriving survivors and their families, business owners, teachers, social workers, Pastors, local government executives, attorneys, health care workers, and more. All board and advisory members are engaged voluntarily. Learn more at www.loveneverfailsus.com.
Love Never Fails interviewed Venus about Lil Red on their podcast. Click here to listen!
The Equality Now organization has assisted survivors of trafficking in Africa, India, the UK, and the U.S. They know that the law has historically been used to marginalize, disenfranchise, and oppress those living in poverty. Women and girls have been especially impacted by discriminatory laws that treat them as second-class citizens. But they envision a world where the law is used to promote equality rather than codify misogyny, where constitutions respect human rights rather than embed discrimination, and where the criminal justice system arbitrates with integrity rather than perpetuates harmful gender and racial stereotypes. Click here to read more about their efforts to end sexual abuse and online exploitation globally.
Resources
If you’ve been affected by human trafficking or know someone who has, help is available.
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-Child
- National Human Trafficking Hotline (Polaris): 1-888-3737-888 or text 233733
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
- National Runaway Switchboard: 1-800-RUN-AWAY
For more, including many in the San Francisco Bay Area, see Love Never Fails’ Resources page at www.loveneverfailsus.com/resources